Apparatus for supporting a material bag

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for supporting a material bag, includes a main frame which is arranged around the material bag and includes a device for suspending the material bag. The material bag is made of a flexible material and has the shape of a block that is open at the top side and has at its four corner points of the opening a loop or an eye intended for transport or suspension in the main frame. The main frame has two substantially rectangular frames, which are pivotable with respect to one another, with one such frame having space within the other. The two substantially rectangular frames have two mutually opposing first frame parts and two mutually opposing second frame parts, of which the first frame parts are of a length that corresponds approximately to the length of the first edge of the horizontal projection of the bag and the second frame parts are of a length that is larger than the total of the second edge length of the horizontal projection of the bag and twice the loop or hook length. A pivot axis is arranged approximately in the center of the two frame parts. During filling of the material bag, the substantially rectangular frames are pivoted with one by such an angle that the distances between the first frame parts, which face the bag opening, corresponds approximately to the aforementioned total.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for supporting a material bag, comprising a frame which is arranged around the material bag and is equipped with means for suspending the material bag, wherein the material bag is made of a flexible material having the shape of a block that is open at the top side and comprises at the four corner points of the openings and, in each case, a loop or eye intended for transport or suspension in the frame.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] For storing construction materials and collecting waste materials and construction debris, according to the prior art, containers of different sizes, often made of sheet steel or plastic have been used. The delivery and removal of these containers is usually carried out either by means of special vehicles, which have special superstructures for receiving, transport and for tilting or unloading a container, or by means of trucks, which are equipped with a crane device. The provision, collection and removal of these collection containers disadvantageously leads to high transport costs. In addition, the transport is usually carried out with heavy trucks, so that the system is to be regarded as disadvantageous from an ecological point of view. For the storage of the empty containers, problems often occur because the containers have a large intrinsic volume.

[0005] With a different transport and collection system according to the prior art, instead of rigid containers, material bags made of flexible material are often used. Compared with the aforementioned system, bags of the aforementioned kind have the advantage that they collapse after emptying and can therefore be stored in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, in an empty state they can also be readily transported to the respective place of use via small vehicles.

[0006] A basic problem of flexible material bags, however, consists in the fact that, in an empty state, they do not possess a high inherent stiffness and, without a supporting device, would collapse. For problem-free filling of the material bags, it is therefore necessary to suspend the bags in each case in a supporting frame. The supporting devices according to the prior art usually consist of a rigid frame, which are equipped with hooks or eyes for suspending the loops formed on the bags. The clear width of the frame is in this case greater than the dimensions of the material bag, so that there is space for a filled bag within the frame.

[0007] It is of advantage, in the case of the aforementioned frames, that they cannot be readily removed after filling of a bag. They therefore usually remain in place until the filled bag is transported away. If it were desired to remove the frame beforehand, the filled bag would have to be raised with a lifting device, for example a crane, and the frame pulled forward beneath the raised bag. Both procedures are, however, unsatisfactory, since they cause either unnecessarily long placement times for the frame or additional work effort.

[0008] The conventional design of known support frames also leads to a further disadvantage. Since the frames are in each case arranged around a bag, their dimensions are necessarily somewhat larger than that of a filled bag. This comparatively large size, in conjunction with the rigid design of a frame leads to a certain bulkiness. However, this proves problematic for the storage of unused support frames.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for supporting a material bag, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages, can thus be removed after filling of the bag without the prior removal of the latter, and consumes only a small amount of storage space in an unused state.

[0010] The foregoing and related objects are achieved by the apparatus for supporting a material bag of that present invention, which apparatus includes:

[0011] a main frame comprises two essentially rectangular frames, which are pivotable with respect to one another, of which one has space within the other;

[0012] the frames comprising two mutually opposing first, and two mutually opposing second, frame parts, of which the first frame parts are in each case of a length that corresponds approximately to the length of the first edge of the horizontal projection of the bag, the second frame parts are in each case of a length that is larger than the total of the second edge length of the horizontal projection of the bag and twice the loop length; and,

[0013] the pivot axis is arranged approximately in the center of the two frame parts, and, during filling of the material bag, the frames are pivoted with respect to one by such an angle and that the distances between the first frame parts, which face the bag opening, correspond approximately to the aforementioned total.

[0014] The apparatus of the present invention comprises a frame with two mutually pivotable frames, of which, when the apparatus is in the closed state, one has space within the other. Both frames have a rectangular shape and are composed of two mutually opposite first frame parts and two mutually opposite second frame parts. These parts are dimensioned such that the length of the first frame parts approximately corresponds to the length of the second frame parts, and the length of the second frame parts is greater than the total of the second edge length of the horizontal projection of the bag and of twice the loop or hook length. The pivot axis is arranged approximately in the center of the two second frame parts.

[0015] To set up the present invention for collecting debris or wastes, a material bag is spread out within the initially folded-together frame. After suspension of two loops on one of the first frame parts, the frames are folded apart, the aforementioned second frame parts forming in each case the legs of a scissors. The first frame parts arranged in each case at the lowermost ends of the two legs here remain on the floor, whereas the two first frame parts arranged at the upper ends of the two legs assume a position approximately at the height of the bag opening.

[0016] For suspending the two remaining loops of the material bag, both frames are manually pivoted with respect to one another to the extent that the distance between the two upper first frame parts corresponds approximately to the aforesaid total. In this pivot position of the frames, the loops can be readily suspended in corresponding receiving means at the other end of the first frame parts. On subsequent release of the two frames, the latter will attempt, by virtue of their inherent weight to fold together again. Corresponding to a considerable consideration of the present invention, the loops of the material bag are tightened to the extent that they form a stretched arrangement with that edge of the opening that is parallel to the second edge of the horizontal projection area, and thereby prevent folding together of the frame. The opening of the material bag thereby assumes its maximum size, so that the bag can be readily filled.

[0017] According to a feature of the present invention, it is provided that, for removal of the filled material bag, the two frames are pivotable beyond the pivot angle necessary for suspending the loops. When this pivot operation is carried out, the loops are deflected in each case upward from their stretched arrangement, the respective suspended loop end point forming a circle about the loop base point attached to the bag. With this operation, the reception devices on the mutually opposite frame parts describe, to a first approximation, a circle about the ends that are in contact with the ground of the frame parts, which are connected in the manner of a scissors. According to a further important feature of the present invention, the distance between the receiving means is reduced to the extent that the loops are loosened, and can therefore be readily unhooked from the frame.

[0018] The present operation thus allows the apparatus for supporting the material bag to be removed after it has been filled, without the filled bag having to be lifted by means of a lifting device. The two frames are instead folded together and lifted over the filled bag.

[0019] As required, the apparatus according to the invention can, subsequently, either be provided directly for a new use, or stored until further application. In the case of storage, the proposed device takes up a storage space with a base area approximately of the size enclosed by the frame and a height of the thickness of the frame profiles. The storage space required is greatly reduced compared with conventional support devices for material bags.

[0020] For handling of the apparatus, it is advantageous if a handle is mounted on at least one of the first frame parts facing the bag opening. According to a feature of the invention, a handle is therefore arranged approximately in the center of the aforementioned frame part. This permits convenient folding apart of the frames during setting up a material bag, as well as on a change of the pivot angle of the two frames with respect to one another during unhooking of the bag loops after filling of the material bag.

[0021] For the preferred embodiment of the means for suspending the bag loops on the two frames, numerous designs are possible. Within the scope of the present invention, it is proposed to provide hooks on the first frame parts, which face the bag opening during filling. The hooks are to be mounted at a position, so that the loops of the material bag, which are to be suspended, form in each case a stretched arrangement with that edge of the opening that is parallel to the second edge of the horizontal projection area. In general, these positions will in each case lie in the region of the ends of the first frame parts facing the bag opening.

[0022] For a construction of the hooks themselves, it is preferable for the aforementioned hooks to have a greater dimension in the direction perpendicular to the hook plane than the hook thickness present in the hook plane. The hooks thereby obtain a broad supporting surface, so that the material loops are not damaged even with relatively heavy loading.

[0023] In an application of the proposed device, it is occasionally necessary to transfer the device together with the suspended bag to an adjacent set-up area. This operation can, of course, only be carried out as long as the bag is empty or only partly filled. It is advantageous if rollers or wheels are mounted on at least one of the first frame parts facing the ground during filling. For a change of location, the apparatus is the lifted slightly at the side without wheels and is transferred, supported by the wheels mounted on the opposite side.

[0024] The apparatus according to the present invention is suitable, in principle, for supporting material bags of different design. A particularly preferred design of the device, however, is characterized by a material bag having a strap, which is drawn through a loop attached to one of the corner points of the bag opening. In the aforementioned embodiment, the strap, at the corner point below this, is also guided through a loop and fixed at the diagonally opposite corner.

[0025] Both embodiments have proved excellent for emptying the full material bag. For this, the strap is lifted by means of a lifting device, for example a crane, with the consequence that the bag tips over and the opening of the material bag comes to lie beneath the bag. With further lifting of the bag at the aforementioned strap, complete emptying of the material bag then occurs.

[0026] In the application of the apparatus according to the invention on building sites, different waste materials can normally be expected to be found. If these different materials were collected in one container, high disposal costs would result, since the different substances would have to be separated before dumping on landfill sites or before treating the materials by means of recycling. It is, therefore, recommended that the waste materials be collected separately. Correspondingly, the present invention therefore provides for use of the proposed device in which a plurality of frames each equipped with a material bag are arranged side-by-side, and different waste or construction debris materials or material classes are collected. Simultaneous collection of different waste substances is thereby readily possible.

[0027] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when considered in combination with the accompanying drawing figures which illustrate certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should, however, be noted that the accompanying drawing figures are intended to illustrate only certain embodiments of the claimed invention and are not intended as a means for defining the limits and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE

[0028] The sole drawing FIGURE shows a side view of the apparatus of the present invention for supporting material bags.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The inventive apparatus illustrated comprises a frame 1 with two rectangular, mutually pivotable frames 2, 3 and a material bag 4 suspended therein. The frames are in each case assembled from two mutually opposite first frame parts 2 a, 2 c and 3 a, 3 c, and two mutually opposite second frame parts, 2 b, 2 d and 3 b, 3 d. Their lengths are dimensioned such that the length of the first frame parts 2 a, 2 c and 3 a, 3 c approximately corresponds to that edge length 4 a of the bag 4 that faces in this direction, and the length of the second frame parts 2 b, 2 d and 3 b, 3 d, is greater than the total 5 of the second edge length 4 b of the bag 4, and twice the length of the loops 6, 7. The pivot axis 9 is arranged approximately in the center of the two second frame parts 2 b, 3 b and 2 d, 3 d.

[0030] Before set-up of the frame in the position illustrated, the two loops 6 a, 6 b were suspended in the corresponding hooks 9 a, 9 b on the frame part 3 a. Subsequently, the frames 2, 3 were pivoted until the distance between the first frame parts 2 c, 3 a facing the bag opening 10 approximately equals the aforementioned total 5. In this position of the frames 2, 3 the remaining loops 7 a, 7 b can be readily suspended in corresponding reception devices 9 c, 9 d on the other first frame part 2 c.

[0031] If the frames 2, 3 are subsequently released, they attempt by virtue of their intrinsic weight to fold together. In the process, the loops 6 a, 7 a and 6 b, 7 b of the material bag 4 are tightened until they form a stretched arrangement with the edges 4 b and 4 d, respectively, of the bag 4 and thereby prevent further folding together of the frames 2, 3. The opening 10 of the material bag thereby assumes its maximum size, so that the bag 4 can be readily filled.

[0032] After filling of the bag 4, the loops 6 a-7 b are unhooked again from the hooks 9 a-9 d. To accomplish this, the frames 2, 3 are pivoted beyond the pivot position shown. The ends of the loops 6, 7, which are suspended in the hooks 9 a-9 d here, in each case, approximately describe a circle about the loop base attached to the bag 4. The hooks 9 a-9 d, by contrast, during this process, move to a first approximation on a circle 12 about those ends of the second frame parts 2 b, 2 d and 3 b, 3 d, which are in contact with the floor 13. Because of this geometrical fact, the loops slacken and can therefore be readily unhooked from the receiving means 9 a-9 d. The frames 2, 3 can subsequently be completely folded together and removed over the filled bag 4.

[0033] While only several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag, comprising: a material bag; a main frame arranged around said material bag and having means for suspending the material bag, said material bag being made of a flexible material and having a block shape open at a top side and comprising at four corner points of its opening, a loop for transporting, or suspending in, said main frame; said main frame comprising a first substantially rectangular frame and a second substantially rectangular frame pivotable relative to one another with said second substantially rectangular frame having space within said first substantially rectangular frame, said first substantially rectangular frame and said second substantially rectangular frame comprising two mutually opposing first frame parts and two mutually opposing second frame parts, said first frame parts are of a length corresponding approximately to a length of a first edge of a horizontal projection of the material bag and said second frame parts are of a length that is larger than a total of a second edge length of said horizontal projection of the material bag and twice a length of said loop; and, a pivot axis arranged approximately at a central point of said first frame part and said second frame part and, during filling of the material bag, said first substantially rectangular frame and said second substantially rectangular frame are pivotable relative to one by such an angle with a distance between said first frame parts, when facing the opening of the material bag, corresponding approximately to said total.
 2. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 1, wherein said first substantially rectangular frame and said second substantially rectangular frame are pivotable beyond said angle for removing the material bag after the material bag has been filled.
 3. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 1, further comprising a handle centrally attached centrally on at least one of said first frame parts facing the opening of said material bag during filling.
 4. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 1, wherein said means for suspending the material bag are hooks attached at a region of their ends to said first frame parts facing the opening of the material bag during filling.
 5. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 4, wherein said hooks have a larger dimension in a direction perpendicular to a hook plane than a thickness of said hooks in said hook plane.
 6. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 4, further comprising rollers are mounted on at least one of said first frame parts facing a ground level during filling of the material bag.
 7. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 6, wherein said rollers are wheels.
 8. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 1, wherein said material bag includes a strap drawn through at least one said loop fastened on said four corner points, said strap being guided through said loop at one said corner point and fixed at a diagonally opposite corner point.
 9. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 1, wherein said material bag includes a strap drawn through at least one said loop fastened on said four corner points, said strap guided through one of said loop fastened at one of said four corner points which is a lower corner point and being fixed at a diagonally opposite corner point.
 10. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of main frames and a plurality of material bags with each said main frame of said plurality of main frames supporting one said material bag of said plurality of material bags.
 11. The apparatus for supporting a material bag in combination with the material bag according to claim 10, wherein said main frames of said plurality of main frames are arranged in a side-by-side manner relative to one another. 